Dozens of rabbits rescued in Ronkonkoma

More than two dozen rabbits were rescued in the woods behind the Ronkonkoma LIRR station.

Rescue groups, like Guardians of Rescue, say they got a call Sunday about someone dumping domesticated rabbits in the woods.

The group mobilized and captured 25 rabbits. On Monday morning, the group captured two more.

The Suffolk SPCA says anyone who dumped the animals there is giving the rabbits a death sentence because they cannot fend for themselves in the wild.

"We are investigating this as a case of abandonment and animal cruelty," says Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross. "This is criminal. If a person out there had too many rabbits and they didn't want them anymore - and that could be for any animal - abandoning them is a crime. They are facing misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty, up to a year in jail and or a $1,000 fine. There is no excuse for this."

The SPCA and multiple rescue groups are offering up a $3,500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person responsible. They believe the bunnies were dumped sometime Saturday night, when the station parking lot was fairly empty.

Guardians of Rescue says it will continue to search the woods and that the rabbits will be available for adoption.